Pretty and Peculiar: Life on Pause

Desire to aspire.

Sure, it sounds like the cheesy title of a book located in the Self-Help section of your local bookstore. But think about it for a moment. Perhaps the guy on the cover in the pinstripe suit who’s donning way too much hair product has a point. Maybe we have become too complacent. Maybe mediocre is what we’ve been surrounded with for so long, that we have actually become comfortable with it. Even more so, we’ve disregarded all efforts to strive for better.

Better what?

Well, better anything. We all have areas in our lives that could use an upgrade. Talk to the old friend you’ve been avoiding because of a disagreement ages ago, start taking the necessary steps to start the career you really want, take a week to evaluate yourself and rid yourself of three negative characteristics that effect those around you, muster up the courage to tell your significant other that you’ve always hated that sweater.

I know what you’re thinking. These tasks aren’t ones that come easily. The thing is, they’ll never come easily because they aren’t comfortable. Mediocrity is all about staying in your comfort zone, kittens. And from my experience, any significant changes that you undergo will cause a little (and in some cases, more than a little) discomfort. Here’s an idea: Do some stretches this weekend, take a deep breath, and head into the next week with a new goal: Become comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Even if only for a little while, step outside of the box you’ve created for yourself and gain some new perspective. If you happen to find that you’re not really living, that you’re merely floating along the path of mediocrity, then I challenge you. Love harder, learn a new craft, laugh so hard your ribs hurt the next morning, cry and let it go…..desire to aspire.

Peace and Love, Podlings

*~Cat

Afternoon, Kittens!

Cat here. Just thought I’d take a pause in my busy day to check in and pose a question about something that has always irked me. What is up with people and cereal? Think about it. People will argue to the death about their favorite crispy morning treat. I tend to be a Cinnamon Toast Crunch girl *waits patiently for two free boxes to arrive at her doorstep*, but I don’t impose my adoration of that particular cereal on others.

I’ve seen someone get irate over the fact that someone else didn’t share their love for Wheaties. I mean, they’re Wheaties. Give us a break. Not everyone wants to be a triathelete, run-around-a-track-for-no-reason, feel-the-burn kind of person. Sometimes we just want no-nutrition-whatsoever-will-probably-kill-you-in-the-long run-sugary-goodness without your fitness guru judging eye.

My great grandfather loves hot cereal. Otherwise known as oatmeal. Otherwise known as might-as-well-be-already-chewed-food. *shudders with disgust* It brings him so much joy to start his day with a steaming bowl of tasteless goop. And he tried to get me to eat it for years. YEARS. Obviously his efforts failed, but he would swear on all manner of items and people that something was wrong with me because I can’t stand oatmeal.

Have you ever had someone go bananas on you for not falling in love with their cereal of choice? Or are YOU that person *shakes finger knowingly*? And if you are the judgy cereal-enforcer that we all despise, do tell: What’s up with that?

Cat